Spieth to join McIlroy in major pairing at The Players

Golfers Jordan Spieth (right) and Rory McIlroy have been paired for the first two rounds off this week's Players Championship tournament.

Golfers Jordan Spieth (right) and Rory McIlroy have been paired for the first two rounds off this week's Players Championship tournament. (USA Today Sports, Ian Rutherford)

Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth paired at Players Championship.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The match that didn't happen in San Francisco will be available in stroke play at The Players Championship this week. Match Play winner Rory McIlroy and Masters champion Jordan Spieth are in the same group for the opening two rounds.

McIlroy is a four-time major champion who stretched his lead at No. 1 in the world with his victory Sunday in the Match Play Championship. Spieth is No. 2 in the world. He was eliminated before the weekend at the Match Play.

Jason Day is the third member of that group.

Tiger Woods is competing for the first time since he tied for 17th in the Masters. He was in the same group as U.S. Open champion Martin Kaymer and Adam Scott. Kaymer in the defending champion at The Players.